Adolescents with at least one close, supportive friend have greater feelings of self-worth, do better in school, are healthier, show greater empathy, and have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers have found that support from close friends predicts boys’ psychological well-being and academic success even more than support from their parents. Author, Sany Longfellow looks deeper into the importance of friendships especially for boys and how we as parents, teachers, and care givers can foster these friendships.